[lin_video src=http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/player.js?aspect_ratio=16×9&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&div_id=videoplayer-1368741192&height=480&page_count=5&pf_id=9624&show_title=1&va_id=4060351&width=640&windows=2 service=syndicaster width=640 height=480 div_id=videoplayer-1368741192 type=script]BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Class of 2013 has already taken most of their final exams, and they are more than likely preparing for the trek across the stage.

Other students have a few more years, though, before they make that leap, and for them the end of the year is full of projects and tests.

Educators say parents are oftentimes the key between failure and success.

Julie Meadows, counselor at John Carroll High School, knows all to well what final exams can mean for students who are in the fringe.

Warm weather coupled with the year-end excitement can make finishing the school year strong an extremely difficult task.

Spring and summertime weather and activities often create unneeded distractions for students.

This makes it vital for parents to bridge the gap between school and home.

“If it’s a comprehensive test covering the entire semester, make sure students take a few minutes and review what they’ve had during the year,” Dr. Anna Vacca says. “If they’ve got any weaknesses or areas they’re not sure of, make sure they go back and ask the teacher.”

Parents are also encouraged to initiate and participate in exam study.

Final exams are not the only concerns, though. Year-end projects can also make the different between a passing and failing grade.

But with the proper planning and a joint effort from students and parents, both can stand up at the end of the school year and say, “Job well done.”